Once upon a time...

The holidays are a magical time, especially in Ozaukee County, where Norman Rockwell-like scenes can be found in just about every one of our adorable, main street communities. With so much to be thankful for, it's easy to forget that there is hardship, even in the land of Oz, and the holiday season can create additional stress on families who are already carrying too much of a burden. Colder temperatures and the holidays, themselves, translate into all sorts of financial stress. But this is the land of Oz, after all, and that means there is help.

Higher heating bills can be one of the greatest financial stresses on families this time of year, and too many families are unaware that there is help available for them through Energy Services for Ozaukee County simply by calling (262) 261-0020 for an appointment at the Family Enrichment Center at 885 Badger Circle, Suite 3, in Grafton. Many people think that just because they live in Ozaukee, they can't qualify for this type of assistance, but it's not that difficult to meet the income guidelines and to qualify for a grant or even home weatherization. All you need is to bring your most recent energy bill, the social security numbers for everyone in your household, a photo ID, and proof of your household income for the prior three months, such as payroll stubs, unemployment or child support printouts, social security benefit, or your most recent tax return.

Besides heat, food is the next greatest need of the season, and Ozaukee County happens to have two different food pantries to help:

The Family Sharing Food Pantry is located at 1002 Overland Court in Grafton and is open Monday from 8:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., Tuesday from 2:00 p.m. to 5:45 p.m., and Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. beginning January 2nd. If you are coming to the food pantry for the first time you will need proof of residency in Ozaukee County (for example, a recent WE Energies bill with your address on it), your drivers license, and an insurance card or birth certificate for each child that lives with you. If you have additional questions, please call Robin at (262) 377-0634 X102.

The Saukville Community Food Pantry islocated on the Lower Level of St. Peter’s United Church of Christ at 166 W. Dekora Street in Saukville, and the hours can be found here. Proof of Residency in Ozaukee County is required to obtain items from the food pantry, as well as a list of names and ages of the members of household and an estimate of monthly income at the time of application. St. Peter's also offers a free meal every 4th Saturday from Noon to 1 p.m. that is open to any resident in Ozaukee. For more information, contact Mark Gierach at 262-284-0588 orsaukvillepantry@att.net.

Nobody likes to ask for help (I get it—I've been there, myself!), but that's what it's there for, and you'll be so glad that you did. Make the call to see if you qualify and give yourself, and your family, a break. Right now you may need help but, in the future, you may be the one making the donation to help others, and that's what it's really about. Ozaukee County is consistently rated as one of the wealthiest in the State, and that means we should also be rated the kindest and most generous. Life can be tough—take care of each other.

Some people like to stay home on New Year's, but for those who are looking for a fun evening out, the land of Oz does not disappoint. This is Wisconsin, of course, so if you're doing the tavern scene, the Ozaukee Taxi will run for free from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. anywhere in Oz -- just call 284-TAXI (8294).

Here are the details, by community:

Cedarburg

The Roadhouse Bar & Grill kicks off their New Year's party with live music by Cherry Pie at 10 p.m. Party favors, hors d'oeuvres, and a champagne toast and balloon drop at midnight are part of the fun. Designated drivers and rooms at the Hampton Inn in Grafton are available to keep everyone safe!

The Stilt House in Cedarburg is celebrating their 4 year anniversary on New Year's Eve. Call for reservations at (262) 618-4889.

Port Washington

Twisted Willow has a special New Year's menu served from 2- 10 p.m. Reservations are suggested at(262) 268-7600.

The Pasta Shoppe is serving from 4 p.m. -9 p.m. New Years Eve, with special entrees. Reservations strongly encouraged: 262.284.9311

Sir James Pub will have hats and party favors, a champagne toast at midnight, and snacks out all evening, and the new Rascal's pub will have complimentary party favors and champagne at midnight, as well.

Newport Shores is serving dinner from 2 p.m.-10 p.m. on New Year's Eve, with specials including South African Gold Water Lobster Tails, Alaskan King Crab Legs, and Prime Rib, along with a champagne toast at midnight.

Waubeka

The Islands at Waubeka Firehall will have a New Year's Eve Special of 10 oz New York strip or 10 oz boneless rib eye with four jumbo grilled shrimp, choice of potatoes and soup and salad bar for only $14.95 from 2 - 7 p.m.

Saukville

The Firehouse Restaurant has live music by Jim Bathke, as well as a special menu for the evening. Make your reservations by calling 284-8886.

If you're looking for a brisk way to start your New Year's Day, you can always take a dip in Lake Michigan with the Polar Bears at 2 p.m. in Port Washington's Harbor. You won't find me there, but have at it. If you want to get outside in a more normal way, try the First Day Hike at Harrington Beach State Park. Much dryer.

Corey Richards as Cogsworth and Eric Welch as Lumiere in the Sunset Playhouse production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast, through December 23rd.

By Mary Boyle

It was 1991 when Disney released their 30th animated feature film, Beauty and the Beast, based on an 18th Century French Fairy Tale. To say it was a success is an understatement: it was the first animated film to be nominated for an Academy Award, and it won for Best Original Score and Best Original Song. It was also the first of Disney's animated films to be adapted into a Broadway Musical, in 1994. Now that the first fans have children of their own, there's been a renaissance of the tale, which is widely considered to be one of Disney's best. Earlier this year, a live-action film was released, staring Emma Watson, and performances of the Broadway Musical, as well as other versions of the tale, are at an all time high, which you can experience for yourself as Sunset Playhouse presents Disney's Beauty and the Beast.

Directed and choreographed by Karl Miller, who makes his directorial debut at Sunset Playhouse, where he recently returned after a 36 year absence, the Broadway Musical of Beauty and the Beast is nearly identical to the animated film, but with additional songs added to round it out. Sephanie Staszak is a lovely Belle with a lovely voice, looking for something more than her "provincial town," where the townspeople think her odd for reading so much, and where she is constantly harassed by the pigheaded Gaston, who is played wonderfully by Tim Albrechtson. When Belle's father, Maurice (Tom Marks), is lost in the woods, Belle finds him in an enchanted castle, where he is being held prisoner by a Beast (Keith R. Smith). Belle offers herself in exchange for her father's freedom, and the mysteries of the castle and its inhabitants, including a candelabra named Lumiere (Eric Welch), a clock named Cogsworth (Corey Richards), a teapot named Mrs Potts (Marcee Doherty-Elst), and her son, Chip (Agrim Cincotta/John Batory). Gaston isn't about to let Belle go so easily, though, and he and his sidekick, Lefou (Jim Donaldson) hatch a terrible plan to make sure that Belle will consent to be his bride.

The Sunset Playhouse isthe first theater in the state of Wisconsin to be built entirely by a community theater group and, over the past sixty years, the building has grown to reflect the love of the community that supports it. Easy to access, with plenty of parking, the Sunset's intimate and comfortable Furlan Auditorim seats 299, and is a great community theatre venue. Fans of Beauty and the Beast, both young and old, will enjoy this production. Gaston, Lefou, Lumiere, and Cogsworth, in particular, are excellently cast, and the live music from a small orchestra, directed by Mark Mrozek, contributes greatly to the magic. Keep an eye out for Madame de la Grande Bouche, played by Sharon Tyler—she could easily be a show-stealer.

Beauty and the Beast runs through December 23rd at the Sunset Playhouse, located at 800 Elm Grove Road in Elm Grove, WI. Tickets can be purchased by calling (414) 782-4430, or online at www.sunsetplayhouse.com. View Sunset's 2017/18 Season here, including Beauty and the Beast, Jr.;Our Favorite Things, a tribute to Julie Andrews; and Rockin' the New Year: Concert & Party!

About Sunset PlayhouseOver the past 60 years, Sunset has benefitted from the leadership of Ian Dobbie, Alan Furlan, Michael Spicer, Thomas Somerville, Michael Duncan, Mark Salentine, Jonathan West, Diana Alioto, and our current Artistic Director, Nancy Visintainer-Armstrong. The theater’s staff consists of an Education Director, Technical Director, Business Manager/Volunteer Coordinator, Administrative Assistant, Box Office Manager, Box Office Associates, and Theater Technicians. In addition, Sunset benefits from a large pool of talented and dedicated volunteers who work in conjunction with these professionals and are essential to the on-going success of the Playhouse. Sunset is governed by a Board of Directors elected by the membership.Sunset produces eight Furlan Auditorium Productions per season consisting of comedies, mysteries, musicals, and dramas. The Playhouse is also home to three professional series–Musical MainStage Concert Series, with six concerts each season, a six-show cabaret series titled SideNotes Cabaret Series, and a three-show children’s series called Bug in a Rug.

Children of the 70's and 80's will likely name A Charlie Brown Christmas as one of their holiday traditions—it was certainly one of mine. I read Peanuts in the Sunday paper, and checked out the books by Charles M. Schulz from my elementary school library on a regular basis; I'm not going to lie: I even had Snoopy sheets on my bed. My own kids have grown up with this holiday special, as well, in both book and DVD form, but First Stage in Milwaukee has brought back, by popular demand, a whole new way to experience A Charlie Brown Christmas: on the stage.

The show, which was adapted to the stage by Eric Schaeffer and is directed by Jeff Frank, is exactly as if the television special came to life. Milwaukee favorites, Matt Daniels, who plays Snoopy, and Jack Forbes Wilson, the pianist, are reprising their roles from the 2015 debut of A Charlie Brown Christmas at First Stage, which was a big hit. Wilson, who was recently seen on The Rep's stage inSouvenir, brings the beautiful music of the Vince Guaraldi Trio to life on the stage. Daniels, who was recently seen in Guys And Dolls at The Rep, and is a frequent collaborator at First Stage, manages to embody everyone's favorite cartoon dog remarkably well, along with all of the bizarre noises he makes. The two are the only adult performers in the production, which—I imagine—is exactly how Schulz would have wanted it.

Although the television special aired just over 50 years ago, A Charlie Brown Christmas still holds, perhaps, the most simple and magical answer to what Christmas is really all about, and every time Linus gets up on that stage and tells it, I cry. Messing with the original is a very brave undertaking but, as usual, First Stage has pulled it off. In fact, if possible, it's even more magical, because everything is real and live! The ice skaters actually ice skate, and the sad little tree that Charlie Brown chooses really grows into something beautiful. With any luck, First Stage will make this production a tradition of their own—it's right up there with seeing A Christmas Carol at The Rep and the Nutcracker Ballet, as far as magical holiday theater experiences in Milwaukee. Don't miss this one.

About First StageFirst Stage is one of the nation’s leading theaters for young people and families. First Stage touches hearts, engages minds, and transforms lives by creating extraordinary theater experiences through professional theater productions that inspire, enlighten, and entertain. Its Theater Academy, the nation’s largest high-impact theater training program for young people, fosters life skills through stage skills and serves over 2,100 students each year. As Wisconsin’s leader in arts-integrated education in schools, First Stage’s dynamic Theater in Education programs promote literacy, character building, and experiential learning throughout the curriculum, serving over 20,000 students each year. First Stage was selected to participate in the Partners in Education program of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (2012), and was the recipient of the Milwaukee Business Journal’s Eureka Award, recognizing creativity and innovation in business, education, and the arts for its Next Steps program for students with autism (2013, 2015). First Stage is a member of TYA/USA, the American Alliance for Theatre and Education, the Wisconsin Alliance for Arts Education, Theatre Wisconsin, Milwaukee Arts Partners, and is a cornerstone member of the United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF).

Young Company, the advanced, college-level actor training program at First Stage Theater Academy for high school students, is known for taking on, and excelling at, challenging plays, and this season is no different. Through December 17th, this impressive group of teenagers attempt the Pullitzer-prize winning play, The Skin of Our Teeth, by American Playwright and Novelist (and Wisconsin native), Thorton Wilder. Although often overshadowed by Wilder's more popular play, Our Town, Young Company demonstrates that this particular production is just as relevant as ever.

Directed by Josh Pohja, The Skin of Our Teeth is a three-part allegory about the history of humankind and man's ability to persevere. Wilder wrote the play on the eve of World War II, after already having served in World War I. and it went against nearly every theatre convention of the time. That being said, the play still feels completely unconventional now. Set simultaneously in modern, prehistoric, and biblical times, The Skin of Our Teeth follows the Antrobus Family: father, George (Elliott Brotherhood), mother Maggie (Megan Watson), and children Henry (Jacob Badovsky) and Gladys (Mary Jensik), along with their maid, Sabina (Sylvie Arnold), as they go through an ice age, a flood and, finally, a war. Besides time being strange, certain actors break from their characters and address the audience as themselves, there is no consistent narrator, and it doesn't really have an end. To make it even more intriguing, there are numerous references to biblical and mythical stories, as well as historical figures and events, for audience members to puzzle over.

While confusing, The Skin of Our Teeth is also compelling, and the underlying messages are comforting in a time when humankind seems to be facing overwhelming odds. A spark of light; a ray of hope in the face of an uncertain future.

The Skin of Our Teeth runs through December 17th at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center, located at 325 W Walnut St. in Milwaukee. Tickets are available online at http://www.firststage.org, or by calling (414) 267-2961. Performances are recommended for ages 12 and up. Young Company will conclude their season with Shakespeare's Henry V March 9-24, 2018.

About First Stage First Stage is one of the nation’s leading theaters for young people and families. First Stage touches hearts, engages minds, and transforms lives by creating extraordinary theater experiences through professional theater productions that inspire, enlighten, and entertain. Its Theater Academy, the nation’s largest high-impact theater training program for young people, fosters life skills through stage skills and serves over 2,100 students each year. As Wisconsin’s leader in arts-integrated education in schools, First Stage’s dynamic Theater in Education programs promote literacy, character building, and experiential learning throughout the curriculum, serving over 20,000 students each year. First Stage was selected to participate in the Partners in Education program of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (2012), and was the recipient of the Milwaukee Business Journal’s Eureka Award, recognizing creativity and innovation in business, education, and the arts for its Next Steps program for students with autism (2013, 2015). First Stage is a member of TYA/USA, the American Alliance for Theatre and Education, the Wisconsin Alliance for Arts Education, Theatre Wisconsin, Milwaukee Arts Partners, and is a cornerstone member of the United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF).

Elyse Edelman as Scrooge and Chris Flieller as Marley in Scrooge in Rouge at In Tandem Theatre through January 7th. Photo by Mark Frohna.

By Mary Boyle

Dickens' A Christmas Carol is a revered, timeless holiday tradition, we can all agree, but sometimes we don't want misty-eyed Christmas magic. Sometimes, we just want to have fun and not be so serious about this whole holiday business, and that is where Scrooge in Rouge comes in. Written by Ricky Graham and Jefferson Turner, Scrooge in Rouge is A Christmas Carol running headlong into Monty Python's Flying Circus, complete with bawdy songs, a dash of gaudy makeup, and plenty of groan-inducing puns that, altogether, make for some seriously silly seasonal fun for grown ups.

A twenty-three person variety act gets cut down to just three when food poisoning strikes at the cast party, but no worries! Charlie (Chris Flieller), Vesta (Elyse Edelman), and Lottie (Nathan Marinan) can handle the whole production, along with their trusty piano player, Alfred (Musical Director Josh Robinson), and their complete irreverence towards Dickens' Christmas classic is as refreshing as it is funny.

Directed by In Tandem's Jane Flieller, this alternative holiday show couldn't get by on jokes alone—these actors can sing! Lottie, played by Nathan Marinan, is particularly impressive: a man with a voice any woman would covet, and a shocking ability to run around in Victorian high-heeled boots! Elyse Edelman's Scrooge is spectacularly condescending, and Chris Flieller is a complete chameleon—his portrayal of Scrooge's nephew is one of the funniest things I've seen on stage all year. The Tenth Street Theatre is an intimate, but casual, space, and the lobby is filled with beautiful live piano music and a variety of fun, fancy cocktails named for the show. In Tandem offers an entirely different kind of holiday spirit with Scrooge in Rouge, but a kind that can be just as valuable.

Scrooge in Rouge runs through January 7th at the Tenth Street Theatre, located at 628 N. 10th Street in Milwaukee. For tickets, go to ​http://www.intandemtheatre.org, or call (414) 271-1371. In celebration of their 20th Season, In Tandem is bringing back, for one night only, a special fundraising version of A Cudahy Caroler Christmas, which is Chock full of local humor and alternative holiday songs such as “O Bowling Night,” “In The Dells,” and “Do You Smell What I Smell.” In January, join In Tandem for The Chef's Table, an elegant five-course meal and cabaret right on the stage of In Tandem Theatre! Attendees will enjoy wine pairings, appetizers, soup, salad, dinner, dessert, entertainment and the opportunity to play “food critic” for the night, and all attendees are entered to win a $100 Bartolotta gift certificate – winner to be announced before the night ends!

​About In Tandem TheatreIn Tandem Theatre, a 501(c)3 nonprofit theatre located in Milwaukee, was founded in 1998 by Chris and Jane Flieller with the commitment to produce exciting, innovative and professional live theatre by presenting creative and eclectic programming that enlightens, inspires, provokes, and entertains a diverse audience in an intimate atmosphere. Its name, In Tandem Theatre, reflects the connection between audience and actor, the audience and the written word – an intimate experience obtained when live audiences are engaged in strong storytelling. In Tandem Theatre is committed to creating innovative, exciting live theatre designed to inspire, enlighten, provoke and entertain a diverse audience through comedy, drama, musicals, classics and new works.

Milwaukee Repertory Theater presents A Christmas Carol in the Historic Pabst Theater from November 28 to December 24, 2017. Left to Right: Jonathan Wainwright and Ashley Bock with the company of A Christmas Carol. Photo by Michael Brosilow.

By Mary Boyle

After unveiling a brand new production last season, with record-breaking ticket sales, The Milwaukee Repertory Theater brings back many familiar faces, but also makes some important tweaks to this season's holiday tradition of A Christmas Carol at the Pabst Theater.

Now in its 42nd year, A Christmas Carol has undergone numerous changes over its lifetime, but perhaps none so dramatic as the amazing set design created by Todd Edwards Ivins, which was unveiled last season, and continues to inspire awe. The streets of Victorian England actually move from Scrooge's Counting House to his dark, cold home, and even from the past to the future. The costumes, by Alexander B. Tecoma, have also been given a beautiful update, and are more close to the time period and what is described in Charles Dickens' story. Music Director, Dan Kazemi, who directed several of The Rep's musicals, including Guys & Dolls, I Love a Piano, and Man of La Mancha, brings his magic to A Christmas Carol, as well.

Last season also saw a significant change in the way the story was told, involving quite a lot of audience participation; a British style of theatre known as "panto," which is quite common across the pond around the holiday season, but didn't go over quite as well here. Clearly Director Mark Clements headed the reviews and, while there is still some audience participation involved, it is much improved from last season. The dark parts of the story, such as the appearance of Marley, the Ghost of Christmas Future and Ignorance and Want, are still quite dark, scary, and sometimes loud, and may be a bit much for young children, though these parts were also toned down from last season. Then again, Charles Dickens, who makes his appearance and begins the tale himself, does warn us that it is, in fact, a ghost story.

Many of the actors from last year's production returned in their same roles this season: most notably, Jonathan Wainwright, who is wonderful as Dickens and Scrooge; the amazing Angela Iannone, as Mrs. Fezziwig, Mrs. Dilber, and more; Reese Madigan as Bob Cratchit; the lovely Deborah Staples as the Ghost of Christmas Past; and, of course, the venerable Jonathan Smoots as the Ghost of Marley. Jesse Bhamrah, who was in the ensemble last season as an Emerging Professional Artist at The Rep, takes his turn as Scrooge's nephew, Fred, and Annelyse Ahmad, who is an ERP this season at The Rep, plays Fred's wife, Ellen. Milwaukee favorites, Rána Roman and Todd Denning, come on board as Mrs. Cratchit and a whole new Ghost of Christmas Present, and Michael J. Farina, who was recently Nicely-Nicely Johnson in Guys & Dolls, is a perfect Mr. Fezziwig.New to The Rep are Arya Daire, as Belle, Brade Bradshaw as Dick Wilkins and the Ghost of Christmas Future, Kim Giddens as Alice, Kelsey Rodriguez as Nanny, Daniel Stock as Belle's Husband, and Christopher Peltier as a very believable Young Scrooge. Also new in the ensemble are Anthony Baldasare, Trachel Yvette Green, and Alex Morales.

There are a lot of children in A Christmas Carol who have also been in the cast before, including Ashley Bock, who returns for her third year and plays Tiny Tim this season; Teddy Anagnostopoulos as Sniffer, who returns for his third year; Amalia Cecsarini, who plays the Turkey Boy this season, but has played Tiny Tim twice; Gabe Smith as Young Scrooge, who returns for his seventh year; Tory Trettin as Fan, who returns for her fifth year; Jack Trettin as Boy Scrooge, who returns for his fifth year; Kai Liebenstein, ensemble, who returns for her third year; Liam Jeninga as Peter Cratchit, who returns for his second year; and Jack Burns, Tighe Leszczynski, and Ethan Sprague, who are all in the ensemble and return for their third, second, and second year, respectively. New to The Rep this season are Olivia Vitrano as Want, Eloise Bejma as Emily Cratchit and Ignorance, Taylor Shanel Barnes as Martha Cratchit, Anthony Wells as Mathew Cratchit, Juliana Garcia-Malacara as Belinda Cratchit, Jakobie Jackson as Thomas, and Makayla Campbell in the ensemble.

Dickens' story never gets old, and a bit of snow falling in the historic Pabst theatre accompanied by some beautifully sung Christmas Carols does wonders to put one in the holiday spirit. All in all, A Christmas Carol remains a memorable, magical holiday tradition.

A Christmas Carol runs through December 24th at the Pabst Theater, located at 108 E. Wells St. in downtown Milwaukee. Tickets can be purchased online at ​www.milwaukeerep.com, by phone at (414) 224-9490. or at the Box Office at 108 E. Wells Street.

About The RepIn its 64th Season, Milwaukee Repertory Theater is dedicated to providing the highest level of professional theater to Milwaukee and Wisconsin, in addition to offering a wide range of educational and community programs. Under the leadership of Artistic Director, Mark Clements, and Managing Director, Chad Bauman, Milwaukee Repertory Theater ignites positive change in the cultural, social, and economic vitality of its community by creating world-class theater experiences that entertain, provoke, and inspire meaningful dialogue among an audience representative of Milwaukee's rich diversity.

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Why We're Here, by the Avett Bros.:

﻿And they will pay us all in fame, though that is not why we came, and if it compromises truth, then we will go. We came for salvation. We came for family. We came for all that's good, that's how we'll walk away. We came to break the path; we came to cheer the sad; we came to leave behind the world a better way.

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